hotel cafe tour

last night we drove up to annapolis to catch a show at rams head. and not just any old show - three and a half hours of straight music. it was like an indie/folk/rock/popish combination of music. five artists - no breaks.

for those of you who haven't been to rams head think birchmere on a much smaller scale. but even better than the birchmere - the food's better, you can eat in a separate restaurant and you have reserved seats.

since i bought us tickets the day they went on sale (obviously) i managed to snag some first row seats. it was totally awesome and awkward at the same time. and we definitely made it more awkward when we started passing notes across the table. it had to be done - there were too many crazy characters not to be commenting.

first up was meiko. i'd heard one of her songs (how lucky we are - aka shitty apartment) and knew i liked that one a lot. it was her first night on the tour (the artists change constantly over the five week tour). you could tell she was a little nervous, but her singing didn't show it. she's a cute little indie girl, but sings with what sounds like a british accent. that might sound weird - but it works for her. best part of her set was when she asked the audience if anyone had a bobby pin. sus totally came through in the clutch.

next came eric hutchinson. it was three years ago when i first saw eric hutchinson - at the rams head! he's pretty good (ha!). the only problem is i've seen him so many times that some of his jokes are getting kind of old (mainly this one). but i still love his music and he puts on a killer show. plus he was playing all alone, which i think is when he sounds his best.

and then the organizer of the whole tour came out to play - cary brothers (one guy - first name cary, last name brothers). and you've probably heard some of his stuff. he went to college with zach braff, which lead to his song "blue eyes" being on the garden state soundtrack. and then there was "ride" on the last kiss soundtrack.

and ingrid was there! i've also seen her quite a few times - but i thought she was great last night! she's so quirky - and i love it! and i even liked "keep breathing" last night - usually i switch it when it comes on my ipod. also she rarely plays the hat (my favorite) - so i was happy she got around to that one last night. and she plays the ukulele. seriously.

last up was joshua radin. he's the quintessential sensitive singer-songwriter (which is exactly why he's on this tour). i have his cd and i can't get enough of it - his voice is so soothing. although i was surprised to hear how deep his voice was when he spoke - nothing like when he sings. also, i kind of love how he smiles/smirks as he sings. and his duet with ingrid is pretty hot.

and then there's the band. where do i even start with them? first there's the emcee/guitar player - jason kanakis. i know him from somewhere, but i still haven't been able to place him. it's kind of killing me. and then there's the drummer (didn't catch his name). just think an italian looking peyton manning. he was weird. but he played the box, so i can't hate too much. and then there was the guy in the back (again, don't know the name). he played 42 different instruments. well maybe not 42 - but at least the keyboard, trumpet, clarinet and guitar. and i saved the best for last - the bass player. think josh kelly + javier bardem. we had a hard time keeping a straight face when he was on stage. he made the most awkward faces and movements. he also had the largest hands i have ever seen - they were easily twice the size of mine.